Do They Make You Poop?

Probiotics can, in fact, make you poop—especially if you’re suffering from constipation caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

It’s important to understand that probiotics are not laxatives. Their purpose is not to stimulate your bowels.

Instead, they may regulate your bowel movements by enhancing your gut microbiome, or the collection of good bacteria in your digestive tract. You need to consume probiotics regularly to see results.

A 2016 study of 150 people with IBS found that probiotic supplements regulated bowel movements and improved stool consistency. And that wasn’t just a fluke—research has shown that probiotics can ease IBS symptoms time and time again.

Best Probiotics for Constipation

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All probiotic strains are not created equal.

Be wary of supplements that don’t list specific probiotic strains among their ingredients. Lactobacillus, which is found in many fermented foods, is one of the most common and extensively studied strains. It’s used to treat digestive problems like diarrhea and constipation.

According to Healthline, these probiotic strains have been shown to improve bowel regularity and stool consistency: